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In Memoriam Continued from page 23
James Rudolph Sahli Sept. 3, 1924-May 10, 2015 Senior preferred member James Rudolph Sahli, born Sept. 3, 1924, died suddenly in his home on May 10, 2015, after a long and fruitful life of 90 years. Jim lived to the fullest right to the end, never wasting a moment. He had a strong passion for both history and traveling since he was young, and after completing a year of college at the University of Portland, he enlisted with the Merchant Marines. Sailing from Tasmania to Murmansk, Russia, and all points in between, many of his favorite stories happened during the time of his service. After fulfilling his military duties, he fell in love with Louise, and was happily married. Following in the footsteps of his father, he began his working career with the railroad, but soon after found his calling in sales, where he began a long career running and owning several home-furnishing businesses. In the early ’60s, he opened a small TV and appliance store with business partner Jim Jones, which quickly grew to five locations, Sahli-Jones. He flunked his initial attempt at retirement, and as a result worked until he was 89 years old. He was a proud member of MAC since 1966, and he enjoyed swimming four days a week. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He instilled in everyone who knew him a very strong work ethic, in which he certainly led by example, never missing a day of work, as the word “sick” was never part of his vocabulary. He will always be remembered for his infectious laugh, his amazing repertoire of stories, and his signature handshake. Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Louise; brother, Jerry; and grandson, Joel. He is survived by his children, Patrick, Dena, and Kevin (Melinda); his grandchildren, Jennifer D’Alotto (JD), Melanie Graves, Kayla Sahli and Hayden Sahli; and his great grandchildren, John Anthony, Christian and Natalie D’Alotto. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Multnomah Athletic Foundation or St. Edward Catholic Church, PO Box 507 North Plains, OR 97133.
Richard Charles Thomas
GARRISON HULLINGER interior design
24 | The Wınged M |
August 2015
Dec. 1, 1955-June 30, 2015 Senior member Richard “Dick” Charles Thomas died peacefully on June 30, 2015. He fought a heroic fight against cancer for many years. Born Dec. 1, 1955, Dick was a passionate golfer, beginning with a state championship win with his senior year golf team at West Albany High School in 1974. He was a
long-standing member of the Portland Golf Club, as well as a contender on the squash court at MAC, where he played for many years, cultivating many of the business relationships he retained during his successful 30-year career at Northwestern Mutual Life. A graduate of the University of Oregon in 1979, Dick was a respected member of the business community and a great friend to many. He will be remembered for his generosity, loyalty, kindness, sly sense of humor, and his brilliant, incisive mind. His friendships were deep-rooted, lifelong and considered family. He is survived by his sister, Joan (Thomas) Packard; brother-in-law Perry Packard; and niece Jessica Packard. He was preceded in death by brother, Dave Thomas, mother Georgia Thomas and father Charles Thomas. He was dearly loved by Team Thomas: Christine Goritsan, Barbara Koon and Kate Astle. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
John Klug Vitas April 12, 1926-April 11,2015 Senior preferred member John Klug Vitas died peacefully and quickly into the night an hour before his 89th birthday on April 11, 2015, in the ICU at Oregon Health & Science University. His bed was surrounded by family as they sadly said their goodbyes. John was born in Portland to Adeline and John Michael Vitas. He left his memories with his wife, Pat Towle; children, Susan Vitas, Terry Towle, Nancy Towle and Robert Towle; grandchildren, Valerie Vitas, Dustin Vermeulen, Katie Neuman and Joseph, Benjamin, Daniel and Michael Towle; great-grandchildren, Lola Vitas and Julia, Reese, Hudson, Jackson and Cameron Towle, all of Portland; cousins, Cathy Fahl, David Klug and Jim Welsh; and many friends. John graduated from Ainsworth Grade School and Lincoln High School. He earned bachelor’s degrees in engineering at The Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., and the University of Portland. John founded Plasti-Fab in Tualatin in 1965, and grew the company to be a global leader in engineered noncorrosive fiberglass equipment used in the water treatment and containment industries. His faithful employees and new leadership continue to build on John’s legacy of demanding customer satisfaction. John lived his life intensely, sharing his gifts and intellect generously with others. He was an information sponge; curiosity often led him off the trail to a new adventure. His stroke in 1991 presented many challenges, and he met them with profound determination that seemed to strengthen along the way. His head